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10935 East Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46229

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Indianapolis, IN Area patients ask about the signs, symptoms, and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea

When patients do not feel well-rested every morning, they may actually be dealing with a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Also called OSA, obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that can affect one’s ability to get a full night’s sleep. This is because hundreds of times a night, patients will stop breathing due to a blockage in their airway. This partially wakes them up and the cycle repeats. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea rarely reach the deep, restorative sleep they need to function at their best. Indianapolis, IN area patients who are interested in learning about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea are welcome to contact Dr. Matthew Church of Washington Street Dentistry for an evaluation and consultation visit.

Signs, symptoms, and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

When sleep apnea is present, it is often caused by a blockage in the throat. It may result from the tongue falling back into the throat and keeping a patient from breathing, or it may be caused by soft tissue that collapses as the patient falls asleep and restricts breathing. When this happens, patients wake up and fall asleep hundreds of times in one night. They may wake up in the morning feeling groggy and this fatigue can affect their day-to-day quality of life. It is important for patients to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition, so they can get a proper diagnosis and work with a professional for treatments.

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New Patients: (317) 333-6788

Existing Patients: (317) 890-4455

What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

Obtain oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea from Washington Street Dentistry

It is essential that patients know what to expect when it comes to the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, so they know when to contact their primary physician. Common indications that this condition exists include:

  • Excessive snoring when sleeping
  • Gasping for breath at night
  • Insomnia
  • Inability to sleep for long periods of time
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Dry mouth in the mornings
  • Chronic headaches/migraines

When any or all of these issues are present, patients in the Indianapolis, Indiana area are encouraged to visit their primary physician to be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. This condition may often exist without patients realizing the problem at hand. Patients may undergo a sleep study to monitor their sleeping patterns for one or several nights to detect the problem and provide an effective diagnosis. Once diagnosed, patients may be advised to use a device called a CPAP machine. Unfortunately, this can be uncomfortable, and many patients fail to comply with treatment. This is when Dr. Matthew Church may suggest an alternative such as an oral appliance. Our practice fabricates oral appliances, which are similar to mouth guards, that can be worn by patients at night when they sleep to maintain open airways. These appliances are comfortable to wear and simple to travel with, making it easy to comply with treatment.

How do I obtain oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea?

What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea

An appointment with Dr. Matthew Church is necessary to learn more about oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with a proper diagnosis can speak to our team during a consultation visit about using oral appliances to maintain their ability to get restorative sleep every night. Our professionals are here to walk patients through the process. Impressions are taken to make sure the new appliances fit precisely. This ensures comfort and function. We then show patients how to use their oral appliances correctly to properly treat their condition and address the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Ready to learn more about how your dentist can help with obstructive sleep apnea?

Contact the team at Washington Street Dentistry today to book an appointment with Dr. Matthew Church and discuss the advantages of treating obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Our team, located at 10935 East Washington Street in Indianapolis, IN, provides general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions. Call (317) 333-6788 to book an appointment and speak with our professionals about the ways in which your health and wellness can be helped with diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

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Washington Street Dentistry
Dr. Matthew Church

Dr. Matthew Church image
A graduate from the University of Kentucky, Dr. M Church has an extensive amount of skill and expertise in the field of professional dentistry. With over 20 years of experience, he is a firm believer in providing his patients with the best possible care for their dental concerns. Whilst being educated and experienced in a multitude of dental services, Dr. Church is particularly proficient in the areas involving Invisalign, for which he is a certified provider, cosmetic dental services, and dental implants.

Dr. Church invests both time and resources in educating and maintaining his standard of quality in terms of his service. He undertook and graduated from the Misch International Implant Institute Surgical Program and maintains active membership with the American College of Oral Implantology. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

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Washington Street
Dentistry 4.7 out of 5 based
on 52 Google reviews

This dentistry is by far the best I’ve ever acquainted. It has everything: Nice dentists (especially Brittany!), fine tools and a bathroom! This place makes your teeth squeaky clean! If you don’t have a dentist and need one, BAM! This place is your choice!!

For your general, cosmetic, and emergency dental needs, visit

Washington Street Dentistry

in Indianapolis.